Translation guide
The English word 'leisurely' describes an action done in a relaxed, unhurried way. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adverbs, adjectives, and verbs that convey slowness, relaxation, and lack of pressure.
Describing an action done without rushing, in a calm and relaxed way.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'slowly' or 'at a relaxed pace'. Can be used for walking, eating, talking, etc.
ゆっくり歩きましょう。
Let's walk leisurely.
休日はゆっくり過ごしたい。
I want to spend my day off leisurely.
Adverb meaning 'at ease', 'carefree', or 'leisurely'. Often implies a pleasant, unhurried state, like on vacation.
のんびり温泉に入った。
I took a leisurely bath in the hot spring.
今日はのんびりしよう。
Let's take it easy today.
Adverb meaning 'comfortably', 'spaciously', or 'in a relaxed manner'. Often used for clothing, space, or a relaxed pace.
ゆったりとしたソファに座る。
Sit on a leisurely sofa.
ゆったりとした時間が流れる。
Time passes leisurely.
Adverb meaning 'slowly' or 'sluggishly'. Can have a negative nuance of being too slow, unlike 'leisurely'.
Often implies slowness that is frustrating or inefficient, not necessarily relaxed.
のろのろ運転で渋滞ができた。
Leisurely driving caused a traffic jam.
Emphasizing the absence of time constraints or urgency.
Literally 'without hurrying'. A natural way to say 'leisurely' when advising someone to take their time.
急がずに、ゆっくりやってください。
Please do it leisurely, without rushing.
Means 'at one's own pace'. Implies doing something leisurely according to one's own rhythm.
自分のペースで仕事を進める。
Proceed with work at a leisurely pace.
Adverb meaning 'mellow', 'relaxed', or 'leisurely'. Often used for enjoying food, drink, or a calm atmosphere.
Describing a hobby, walk, or way of living that is relaxed and unhurried.
Noun meaning 'a walk' or 'stroll'. Often implies a leisurely walk for pleasure.
食後に散歩するのが好きです。
I like taking a leisurely walk after meals.
Adverb meaning 'strolling aimlessly' or 'wandering leisurely'. Often used for window shopping or casual walks.
Literary noun meaning 'a leisurely stroll' or 'ramble'. Rare in everyday speech.
ゆっくり focuses on slow speed; のんびり emphasizes a carefree, relaxed feeling; ゆったり suggests comfort and spaciousness in time or space.
ゆっくり話す (speak slowly), のんびり過ごす (spend time leisurely), ゆったりした服 (loose, comfortable clothes)
ゆっくり話す (speak slowly), のんびり過ごす (spend time leisurely), ゆったりした服 (loose, comfortable clothes)
English 'leisurely' can be an adjective (a leisurely pace), but Japanese usually uses adverbial phrases or relative clauses. For example, 'a leisurely walk' is ゆっくりした散歩 or のんびりした散歩, not a single adjective.
ゆっくり昼食をとった。
We had a leisurely lunch.
彼はゆっくり運転した。
He drove at a leisurely pace.
カフェでまったり過ごす。
Spend time leisurely at a café.
街をぶらぶら歩いた。
I walked around town leisurely.
湖畔を逍遥する。
Take a leisurely stroll by the lake.